Introducing David Evans

[elir71]

Hello all,

I am interested in becoming a deck officer cadet and am an older candidate.

I have made a few applications so far which have all been declined

Postgrad degree in computer science
Honours Degree in Civil Engineering 2(1)

A levels
B Maths
B Electronics
C Physics

12 O levels, GCSES and AO levels including Navigation Maths Physics English.
UK Subject

disappointed not to even get an interview so far

[Randomist]

Re: Introducing David Evans

Hi elir71, welcome to the forum. Hopefully there's lots of information here for you.

It sounds like you meet the basic entry requirements for a deck officer cadetship, did any of the companies you applied to give a reason as to why you were declined?

[YoungMariner]

Re: Introducing David Evans

Try applying to every company, visit www.careersatsea.org and follow up each CV with a phone call. Some companies do have a very specific type of cadet in mind, others are much more flexible. Admittedly, younger cadets are generally easier to institionalise into the MN way of thinking, but i've worked with some good older cadets who have been older then the Captain!

[elir71]

Re: Introducing David Evans

@AncientMariner .... yes have done just about that to those who are considering candidates at this time, to two oil companies and a larger more general line.

@Randomist .... got a generic rejection letter and after an afternoon on the phone I found someone in Singapore I needed to speak to, who was helpful, but I was simply told to reapply via the website (as my qualifications exceed the minimum requirement) which got the same generic rejection letter !

I'm really looking forward to learning this trade, does anyone have a reading list I can lookup before starting. I remember doing astro navigation about 20 years ago in air training corps, but its a bit rusty to say the least now

[size4riggerboots]

Re: Introducing David Evans

Have you tried Trinity House? Send a good letter and CV to Commodore Squire and you should get somewhere.

[onara]

Re: Introducing David Evans

Those qualifications should look great on your application, forget the minimum requirements. Companies I'd spoken to when applying this year had said that they're getting many more applications than they usually would, but a bit more for deck places. I got an engine place with SSTG and they told me that they really don't need to interview more for deck, apparently they've even already got some good ones lined up for starting Jan '12. I've got a friend trying to apply for a deck place this year but it looks like he's sent things off too late for being accepted for Sept '11, he also has good qualifications and no interview invites yet. Also make sure you're saying the right things in the cover letter/short bit about why you want to pursue a career at sea.

[Randomist]

Re: Introducing David Evans

I've got a friend trying to apply for a deck place this year but it looks like he's sent things off too late for being accepted for Sept '11, he also has good qualifications and no interview invites yet.

Not necessarily true. Some companies interview right up to August, so if the person has all the qualifications he needs and the certificates to prove it, there's no reason why he shouldn't get a place. Depends how busy the companies are.

[onara]

Re: Introducing David Evans

Not necessarily true. Some companies interview right up to August, so if the person has all the qualifications he needs and the certificates to prove it, there's no reason why he shouldn't get a place. Depends how busy the companies are.

You mean some companies will stick to their usual schedule of interviewing to August despite the higher number of good applicants this year?

[size4riggerboots]

Re: Introducing David Evans

They only have a certain number of places at the colleges each, so if you snooze, you lose!

[YoungMariner]

Re: Introducing David Evans

I agree with size4riggerboots, just get those applications in to everyone and anyone. The opportunities available at the moment could be drying up next year when the funding is pulled!

[Indy-Rose]

Re: Introducing David Evans

Can I just ask, what is this about funding being pulled?!? Can't say I had heard anything about it, oh dear!

[steamer]

Re: Introducing David Evans

It's pretty much inevitable, the seafarer travel allowance has gone and the industry is doing everything it can to maintain SmART funding. If the tax relief goes, then so do I, I'm afraid!

[cadetwannabe]

Re: Introducing David Evans

Indy-Rose I hadn't heard of it either but Google informs me

SMarT Funding
Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) funding is only available to recognised training providers (i.e. shipping companies and other sponsoring organisations offering MNTB approved and STCW courses) that are registered with MaTSU. It can only be claimed on behalf of UK and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens normally resident in the UK ( ie. have been living in the UK for about a year at the time of original application).

The MNTB operates the Merchant Navy Training Provider (MNTP) to provide SMarT funding to unemployed seafarers (who meet specific citizenship and other eligibility criteria) on programmes approved for funding, to assist with job and career prospects.

Is there talk of the tax relief ending?

[YoungMariner]

Re: Introducing David Evans

I'll see if I can find the link, seafarer tax relief and SMaRT funding are both under review. I've split this off into a seperate topic : viewtopic.php?f=38&t=1824